Synology DiskStation DS220+ vs UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS
Both made our Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Synology DiskStation DS220+ if you want dSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated. Choose the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS if you'd rather have intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding. Overall we rank the Synology DiskStation DS220+ higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 list.
Winner overall: Synology DiskStation DS220+
Synology DiskStation DS220+ vs UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 | #3 of 3 in Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Shortlisted |
| Brand | Synology | UGREEN |
| Key features | 2-bay drive enclosure; Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core; 2GB DDR4 ECC RAM (expandable to 6GB) | See full details |
| Biggest strength | DSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated | Intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding |
| Main trade-off | Diskless, drives sold separately (add the cost of two WD Red or Seagate IronWolf drives) | Drives sold separately |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | home media servers and backups |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Synology DiskStation DS220+ if…
- DSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated
- Transcoding support handles 4K video playback without client-side processing
- Drive compatibility list is extensive, most major NAS-optimized hard drives are verified
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS section.
#3 pick
Choose the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS if…
- Intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding
- 2.5GbE port
- Two M.2 NVMe slots plus two drive bays
Best for: home media servers and backups
Prefer the alternative? See the Synology DiskStation DS220+ section.
Pros and cons of each
Synology DiskStation DS220+
Pros
- DSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated
- Transcoding support handles 4K video playback without client-side processing
- Drive compatibility list is extensive, most major NAS-optimized hard drives are verified
Cons
- Diskless, drives sold separately (add the cost of two WD Red or Seagate IronWolf drives)
UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS
Pros
- Intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding
- 2.5GbE port
- Two M.2 NVMe slots plus two drive bays
- Docker and VM support
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Software ecosystem younger than Synology's
- Only two drive bays
Synology DiskStation DS220+ vs UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS: common questions
Which is better, the Synology DiskStation DS220+ or the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS?
Choose the Synology DiskStation DS220+ if you want dSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated. Choose the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS if you'd rather have intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding. Overall we rank the Synology DiskStation DS220+ higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Synology DiskStation DS220+ and the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS?
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ stands out because dSM software is the most polished NAS interface available, Plex, photo backup, and file sync apps are well-integrated, while the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS stands out because intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding. The trade-offs differ too: the Synology DiskStation DS220+'s main caveat is that diskless, drives sold separately (add the cost of two WD Red or Seagate IronWolf drives), and the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS's is that drives sold separately.
Is the Synology DiskStation DS220+ worth it over the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS instead if diskless, drives sold separately (add the cost of two WD Red or Seagate IronWolf drives) is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS instead of the Synology DiskStation DS220+?
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS suits home media servers and backups, while the Synology DiskStation DS220+ is best for buyers who want the best overall package.